Zorawar Light Tank Likely To Be Handed Over To Indian Army For User Trials By April: Report

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is likely to hand over the Zorawar light tank to the Indian Army for trials by April this year.

This comes as the development trials of the light tank have already started.

"The light tank with its new engine has started in our development cum production partner's facilities. The tank has been moved around for more than 100 kilometres, and it is expected to be given to the Indian Army by April this year," defence officials was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

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The Indian Army has placed an order for 59 Zorawar light tanks with the DRDO, which is producing them with its partner Larsen and Toubro.

The light tank project, initially scheduled for delivery in December for trials in both desert and high-altitude locations, experienced delays due to engine supply issues from Germany.

In a broader strategy to enhance its capabilities, the Indian Army is also set to conduct a competition to acquire an additional 295 light tanks under a different programme, for which six to seven companies are offering their light tanks.

The light tank project is a critical part of the Indian Army's efforts to improve its mobility and maneuverability in the strategically important Ladakh sector. This move comes in response to the deployment of a significant number of light tanks by China in the same region.

To tackle threats from China, the Indian Army mooted the idea of having similar abilities. The Defence Acquisition Council has recently greenlit this project, which is being executed under the 'Make in India' initiative.

DRDO is working with L&T on the project to build the 25-tonne light tank, which would be capable of moving fast and easily in the high mountainous terrain.

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